News on the grants and awards that fuel scientific work. Covers federal grants, foundation awards, gene-editing and disease programs, and shifts in funding policy.
Researchers identify two gold belts in the NCC, with gold mineralization linked to mantle-derived melts and fluids. The discovery of decratonic gold deposits has significant implications for understanding gold formation and exploring new large gold concentrations.
Scientists found thermally excited magnetic waves generate electricity in insulators with thin metallic layers. This breakthrough explains the Spin Seebeck effect, enabling heat recovery and conversion into electrical energy.
The five-year grant aims to create prototype nanomaterials with designed functional properties through the assembly of atomic planes from various bulk crystals. Researchers led by Sir Andre Geim will explore flexible optoelectronics, energy harvesting, gas separation and water desalination applications.
High levels of saturated fat in the blood can lead to monocytes migrating into tissues, exacerbating inflammation and tissue damage. This research suggests that maintaining high concentrations of saturated fats may worsen cardiovascular disease outcomes.
The University of Southampton has been awarded a £3m grant to bring together top researchers to explore new nanotechnology applications for enhanced safety at sea, on land and in the air. The project will support over 50 PhD students in interdisciplinary research projects, providing training and building technical capacity.
A team of philosophers, religious scholars and psychologists will investigate the connections between virtue, happiness and the meaning of human life through a 28-month grant project. The research aims to understand how virtues like justice and fortitude contribute to deeper human happiness and a sense of purpose.
Antarctic fur seal pups identify their mothers by detecting the mother's vocal pitch at longer distances and using other components of the vocal signature at closer range. The study found that frequency modulations propagate reliably up to 64 meters, while amplitude modulations are degraded for distances over 8 meters.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have announced $10 million in funding for 45 new research projects across eight countries, tackling pressing issues like ocean acidification, malarial transmission, and climate adaptation.
Researchers at UT Arlington have developed a computer program called PixeltoApp that can automatically create a working app from an artist's concepts. The product uses image information to create user interfaces and has been shown to be similar to original apps in experiments with over 100 cellphone apps.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that fluoxetine prolongs physical therapy's effectiveness for stroke victims, especially those too ill to start intensive rehabilitation. Early intervention with fluoxetine improves motor function recovery in mice, suggesting potential benefits for human stroke patients.
The Methodology Center at Penn State has received a $13 million grant to support ongoing and new research on developing new analysis methods. The projects aim to improve experimental design, data analysis, and intervention delivery through the use of complex behavioral data.
A new study found that older populations in Germany and England are scoring better on cognitive tests, while physical functioning and mental health have declined. The increasing use of modern technology and higher education levels contribute to the improvement in cognitive abilities.
Researchers aim to identify morally exceptional individuals through competitions, conferences, and research projects to foster moral attributes. The project's goal is to understand the psychological, cultural, and spiritual factors that contribute to moral excellence.
Penn State researchers are developing new, ultra-high efficiency photovoltaic cells using a novel tracking system to concentrate sunlight 400 times over. The goal is to create standard rooftop solar panels with competitive manufacturing costs and double the efficiency of existing solar panels in sunny regions.
A new self-healing material has been developed that can plug life-threatening holes in spacecraft, preventing structural penetration and catastrophic damage. The material, made by sandwiching a reactive liquid between two solid polymer layers, reacts with oxygen to form a solid plug in under a second.
Case Western Reserve University researchers are developing sensors to alert structural and wildland firefighters of hazards in the air after they've entered the 'fire overhauling or mop up' phase. The sensors will expand on NASA's compact particulate and gas sensors to detect toxic gases, including formaldehyde and acrolein.
A new modeling study suggests that a single dose of cholera vaccine could be as effective as the traditional two-dose regimen in preventing deaths. The researchers estimate that a one-dose campaign reaching half the population would have averted over 78,000 cases and prevented 738 deaths.
A recent study using fecal sampling and genetic analysis found hundreds of eastern chimpanzees inhabit a region of rapidly shrinking forest fragments in Uganda. The population is estimated to be between 250-320 individuals, three times larger than previously suspected.
The Louisiana Tech University will contribute to a $20 million NSF grant focused on multi-scale replication and forming technologies, as well as adaptive manufacturing of small numbers of application-specific structures using laser-based 3D printing. The university's faculty and infrastructure will support the success of this project.
The USDA Forest Service's online Waterviz tool will be strengthened by a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, enabling it to reach more students and educators. The tool, which combines environmental sensors, music, and digital art, aims to increase understanding of science and data literacy.
A study published in Scientific Reports reveals that a conductive polymer mixture PEDOT:PSS behaves like a p-type semiconductor when combined with n-type silicon, leading to improved power conversion efficiency. This finding suggests new ways for optimizing devices and could point the way toward future advancements in hybrid solar cells.
A new study analyzes 1,800 years of ocean surface temperature data, finding a steady cooling trend before the Industrial Revolution. Volcanic eruptions drove this trend, which was later erased by human-caused global warming.
The University of Oklahoma has received a $1 million grant to develop a digital Latin library, providing resources for users of varying expertise levels. The project aims to create a Linked Open Data resource for Latin texts, allowing users to find, read, and study texts with advanced tools and visualization environments.
A Brown University-led team has received a $4 million grant to study perovskite solar cells, aiming to improve efficiency and scalability. The researchers will focus on understanding the basic science behind these solar cells, developing new technologies, and investigating lead-free compositions.
Researchers aim to develop multifunctional coatings that protect surfaces while adding value through sensing capabilities. The new ATOMIC center will focus on creating atom-thin materials for various industries, including energy and manufacturing.
The Massachusetts Rett Syndrome Association and Rettsyndrome.org are partnering to support a Phase 2b clinical trial of IGF-1 for the treatment of Rett syndrome. The trial, funded by a $439,000 grant from Rettsyndrome.org, aims to develop new biomarkers and treatments for the condition.
Researchers are developing child-sized exoskeletons that will be customized and designed to grow as the child grows, helping them walk independently. The devices aim to ease conditions such as skeletal deformities caused by immobile bodies, while also being fun and interactive for children.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the Cape Parrot should be classified as a distinct species due to its genetically distinct markers. The research analyzed DNA samples from five Poicephalus species and found that the Cape Parrot shares common ancestry with other subspecies only at around 2 million years ago.
Researchers observed beak-to-beak mating, den co-occupancy, and extended spawning in captive adult Larger Pacific Striped Octopuses, supporting previously recorded anecdotes. These findings provide insight into the behavior of this species, which remains undescribed.
Tsarevsky's research focuses on developing methods to create large polymeric molecules with desired shapes, sizes, and functionalities. His work aims to produce materials that can be used in various applications such as chemical detection, tissue engineering, and electronics.
The University of Kentucky's Dr. John D'Orazio is leading a 3-year research project on melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, with a focus on hormonal pathways and DNA repair. The study aims to understand how specific hormones affect melanocortin1 receptor signaling, which is linked to an increased risk of developing melanoma.
A new survey by Johns Hopkins reveals that hospitals can improve patient satisfaction with simple, low-tech practices. The study found that hospitals with a commitment to consistency, personal interactions, and cultural involvement among caregivers tend to have high patient ratings.
The NSF-funded Industry/University Collaborative Research Center will design and develop advanced two-dimensional coatings to address fundamental scientific and technological challenges. The Center for Atomically Thin Multifunctional Coatings (ATOMIC) aims to create spin-out companies and solve issues like corrosion, oxidation, and abr...
Research presented at the American Psychological Association's convention found that participants who attended more face-to-face meetings had greater success in achieving and maintaining sobriety. Online support groups on Facebook did not show similar results, with participants reporting a higher likelihood of dishonesty online.
University at Buffalo chemist Jason Benedict is investigating why light-activated MOF crystals lose their sponging capabilities over time. He hopes his research will provide insight into how scientists can extend the crystals' lives and utilize them for future high-tech applications.
Research on monarch butterfly conservation highlights declining population trends, with survival rates dropping from 1997 to 2014. The studies also suggest that Karner blue butterflies are being protected through a cutting-edge recovery program in Wisconsin.
Researchers found that interaction between the San Jacinto and San Andreas faults weakened earthquake ground shaking near them, preserving precariously balanced boulders. This discovery has practical implications for earthquake planning scenarios in the region.
Researchers found that precariously balanced rocks near the San Andreas Fault have survived due to interactions between the faults, which weakened ground shaking. This discovery could change how engineers plan for future earthquakes in the region, considering a broader impact of ruptures along both faults.
BrightFocus Foundation has awarded $11 million in research grants to 58 scientists worldwide. The grants focus on treatments for age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, with a emphasis on early detection, disease progression, and potential interventions.
Researchers at Northeastern University have developed a new material that exhibits magnetic, optical, and electrical properties, including thermal sensitivity. The material, known as 2D-BNCO, has the potential to be used in various applications such as high-resolution camera arrays, photo detectors, and atomically thin transistors.
Researchers found that mice with lower levels of EDNRB protein are more tolerant to hypoxia and better able to maintain cardiac function and oxygen delivery. This study suggests that EDNRB could be targeted to treat sea level diseases related to low oxygen, such as heart attack and stroke.
A study found that adults who text while being cognitively distracted exhibit a more cautious gait, including increased obstacle clearance and decreased ability to walk in a straight line. The researchers suggest this adaptation may help prevent accidents when faced with cognitive challenges.
The study identified four non-modifiable factors - gender, age, race, and ethnicity - that influence the employment gap, with smaller gaps for women, individuals in their 20s and 60s, Asians, and Hispanics. Two modifiable factors, marital status and educational attainment, also contributed to reduced employment gaps.
The Journalists in Aging Fellows Program aims to bring scientific findings on aging to diverse communities through in-depth stories and workshops. Supported by The Silver Century Foundation, the program has been instrumental in producing over 300 news stories since its inception.
The Geological Society of America (GSA) and its partners have awarded funding to support 25 undergraduate and graduate students attending the SACNAS and GSA national conferences in November 2015. The students will gain knowledge, access to peers and colleagues, and career opportunities through networking and mentoring experiences.
Professor Federico Rosei, a renowned researcher at INRS Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, has been elected ASM International Fellow. He is recognized for his exceptional work on synthesizing and characterizing multifunctional materials.
Research finds that kindergartners, but not preschoolers, perceive hard work as increasing the value of unappealing prizes. This suggests that children's cognitive strategies for handling disappointing rewards differ at different ages.
Researchers at the University of Leicester and CNRS have observed the growth of free nanoparticles in helium gas, revealing new information about their structure. The study found that nanoparticles grow by clustering together under increasing pressure, similar to decaffeination processes.
The Scripps Research Institute has been awarded $4.5 million in grants from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support HIV vaccine development. The new funding will enable scientists to screen immunogens and vaccines with high likelihood of success.
The University of Montana's Sunburst Sensors won a $1.5 million XPRIZE for developing an affordable and accurate pH sensor to measure ocean chemistry, recognizing efforts to combat ocean acidification. The company, founded by UM professor Mike DeGrandpre, employed 9 people at the time of the win.
Researchers develop a new satellite time transfer method using two-way common-view comparison, eliminating common errors and improving precision. The method achieves accurate results of 0.4 ns, surpassing previous methods.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute aim to suppress HIV in latently infected cells using a novel antiviral target and a molecule called didehydro-Cortistatin A. The new approach has the potential to reduce the size of the latent reservoir pool of HIV.
The determination of fundamental constants is becoming increasingly accurate, according to a review paper published this week. This will aid in the redefinition of standard scientific units, including the kilogram and the Kelvin, by 2018.
Researchers found that standardized mortality ratios do not provide an accurate picture of how many deaths could have been avoided. Experts recommend alternative measures such as adherence to good practice guidelines and patient surveys to assess hospital quality.
Researchers have identified a group of genes implicated in common inherited diseases, known as ciliopathies, which can be diagnosed more quickly and could lead to new treatments for patients. The study, published in Nature Cell Biology, found that defects in cilia, microscopic 'antennae' on cells, are responsible for the disorders.
Research found that bacteria shapes changed from sticks to spheres to evade the immune system, revealing a key gene responsible for this transformation. This discovery could lead to new tools for preventing and treating respiratory infections.
A study published in The Lancet finds that donor funding for key global health issues is significantly underfunded, with only 21% allocated to global functions. The analysis highlights the need for governments to adopt an approach emphasizing funding for global health functions to improve the health of poor people worldwide.
A new species, Wendiceratops pinhornensis, discovered in Alberta, Canada, reveals hook-like horns and a prominent nasal horn, shedding light on nose horn evolution in the Triceratops family. The findings add to growing research suggesting high diversity of ceratopsids associated with rapid evolutionary radiation.
A new LOEWE research focus at the Goethe University Frankfurt is investigating Bronze Age forts between the Taunus and Carpathian mountains. The study aims to uncover the social historical perspective of violent conflict during this period, comparing it to early Middle Ages conditions.
CAM research provides a roadmap for increasing agricultural production by developing water-efficient crops and improving existing non-CAM crops. The emerging discipline has tremendous potential for applications, attracting growing interest from academia and industry.